From traditional to modern “full coverage” geomorphological mapping: advantages and perspectives

The present work aims at contributing to the process of modernization of traditional geomorphological mapping, which is becoming a more and more fundamental tool for the assessment of the hazard degree of natural processes (landslides, floods, etc.), for the planning of works and infrastructures. Starting from a traditional and detailed geomorphological survey and through elaborations in a GIS environment it moves towards a dynamic and comprehensive information tool, the so-called “object-based” geomorphological mapping. More specifically, it represents a multiscalar cartography model, characterized by a "full coverage" representation of landforms, which can be managed in a computerized environment. These characteristics make it possible to upscale or downscale processes and landforms and to use different information levels created in a hierarchical form. The test site for the experimentation is located on the Adriatic side of central Italy and is represented by a small catchment, about 10 km2 large, right tributary of the Chienti river. All geomorphological features and information have been collected, translated, and synthesized as elements and attributes within digital geomorphological information layers, following structured on a digital terrain model derived from LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging); this new product is here proposed also as web-browser version.